Cha can make difference Nicky English on the midfield battleJames Cha Fitzpatrick may prove the difference here. Since his move to midfield for the quarter-final against Galway, Brian Cody's team have settled somewhat.
In the 2004 All-Ireland final Cha started in the corner but didn't even feature in the panel in 2005. Tracing his progress is like an examination of Cody's evolving mindset. He represents the smaller, more skilful player Cody now seems to prefer. If not for Henry Shefflin's massive contribution, Fitzpatrick would have been the man of the match against Clare. He may not have built up the stamina reserves of Jerry O'Connor but is a better ball player.
The athleticism of Tom Kenny is unbelievable and he can leave any midfielder for dead but Derek Lyng is physically superior and more of a swashbuckling player. Cork are usually good for four points from midfield. Kilkenny need to limit this or score more. I would not be surprised if Kilkenny shade this battle, with the natural ability of Fitzpatrick making the difference.
Fans go for glory
Guinness and TG4 teamed up earlier this year to find the "champion of (hurling) fans". Well, it's down to the final six, with the winner picking up a10,000 and two premium tickets to all hurling championship games in 2007 and 2008.
For information on the six finalists check out www.guinness.com. You can vote for a finalist by texting 53030 (RoI) or 86122 (NI).
To vote for Padraig Burke, text Padraig; to vote for Francis Dorris, text Francis; to vote for Mary Flynn, text Mary; to vote for Margaret Nagle, text Mags; to vote for Tim O'Leary, text Jonty; to vote for Bobby Walsh, text Bobby. The final will be shown live on TG4 at 7.15pm tomorrow.
Minor three-in-a-row
Winning a third All-Ireland minor medal - as Galway's Joe Canning is trying to do on Sunday - should be enough to guarantee some degree of hurling immortality but the last man to achieve the feat is rarely honoured. Offaly's John Troy is the only non-Munster player to win three All-Ireland minor hurling medals, but the fact it happened over a four-year period means he is often overlooked.
Troy was substitute goalkeeper when Offaly won their first title in 1986 and was between the posts when they retained their title. They were beaten by Kilkenny in the Leinster final in 1988 but Troy was still between the posts when Brian Whelahan captained them to victory in 1989 against Davy Fitzgerald's Clare.
"I suppose the fact the three medals were not won in succession is the main reason I'm overlooked when this sort of thing is being mentioned," he said. "To be honest it doesn't bother me, but I am proud of the fact I was part of all three of Offaly's minor wins. Joe Canning could do that on Sunday and good luck to him."
Five players have managed to win three All-Ireland minor hurling medals. Cork's Kevin McGrath (1937-1939) was the first. Tipperary legend Jimmy Doyle achieved the feat between 1955 and 1957 when colleague Michael Craddock also picked up three medals. Cork defender John Buckley won his three between 1969 and 1971. Troy was the only player to spread the feat over four seasons.
Let the bidder beware
Got a850 to spare? If so two seats in the Cusack Stand for Sunday could be yours. Just log on to Ebay. That was the highest price midweek but by this morning they may have dipped to a600.
If you want a return bus ticket from Cork to Croke Park on Sunday, steer clear of the website. The price yesterday for an "eCoach" ticket had risen to a450. It seems punters assumed the offer included a match ticket and kicked off a bidding war before reading the small print. The face value is a35.
